Small business owners especially susceptible on cybersecurity
With the constant stream of headlines about cyberattacks, hacks, and data breaches, it’s clear that virtually everyone is at risk of losing data or money.
Experts have warned for years that it’s not a matter if you’ll face a cyber strike, but when. While the danger is increasing for businesses of all sizes, and major headlines often focus on giant companies, small businesses can face complete devastation if they suffer a cyberattack.
It’s important to point out for everyone, including businesses, the number one vulnerability are phishing emails, texts, and pop-up ads designed to tempt you click on a bad link or call a number connected directly to scammers. While technology and its jargon certainly can be confusing, think about how you would secure your home from burglars.
Locks, alarms, timed lights can help you guard your house, and some tech tools can help you greatly improve your cyber safety.
Fraudsters and cybercriminals use both the carrot and the stick to make people jump before they have time to examine the legitimacy of the communication.
Phony emails of big rewards for shopping at store or money awards in a lottery or sweepstakes are just a couple of examples of creating a high excitement and lead victims to leap before they look.
Scare tactics like your utilities being cut off, problems with your bank account or deliveries can strike fear and can lure small businesses or consumers to act too swiftly.
Businesses have far more vulnerabilities especially when you consider the proliferation of fake emails from fellow employees, especially leaders in the company.
Often schemers can easily look at a website and see who works at a targeted company and what roles they play. They use phishing emails in attempts to get important personnel records or even money sent or wired with a bogus message impersonating the CEO or president of the organization.
Along with knowing fake emails provide the most dangerous way to infiltrate your company, one of the most effective tools you can have are well-informed employees.
Ongoing training of why it’s so important to directly check with the source when there are any questionable communications can be invaluable. Red flags are any requests for money or personnel transfers, or invoices from an unknown source.
It’s a valuable investment in time to have employees learn cybersecurity tools including strong passwords, avoid phishing scams, and recognize signs of malware, which can invade company records or install viruses.
Installing reputable antivirus software and firewall protection is vital and if you have a Wi-Fi network, have a strong password and look into a virtual private network (VPN) for added security.
Many people don’t think to back up their data regularly before it’s too late. Regularly back up your important business information to an external hard drive or cloud storage. This will help you recover from data breaches or accidental loss.
Along with strong passwords implementing multi-factor authentication can add on a strong second layer of added security. Protecting vital information on the company and employee data with encryption is highly advised.
It’s also important to monitor any unusual activity on your network to detect and respond to threats and limit access for employees for only what’s necessary to do their jobs.
A longer list of important strategies and tips can be found at BBB’s cybersecurity resources page: https://www.bbb.org/all/cyber-security-resources.
By following these tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of cyberattacks and protect your small business. Remember, cybersecurity is an ongoing process, so it’s important to regularly review and update your security measures.
• Steve J. Bernas is president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau and can be reached at sbernas@chicago.bbb.org